SelectFlorida has announced the opening of a new international trade development office in Milan, Italy. This expansion brings the total number of SelectFlorida’s international offices to 18 across 16 countries. The move is part of an effort to strengthen Florida’s global economic presence and provide support for small and emerging businesses throughout the state.
The establishment of the Milan office follows a commitment made by Governor Ron DeSantis during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni last November to deepen commercial relations between Florida and Italy.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made international engagement a central pilar of our economic growth strategy,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Establishing a permanent presence in Milan—Italy’s economic powerhouse—will significantly expand Florida’s capacity to attract high-quality foreign direct investment, promote world-class exports and create new international opportunities for small and emerging businesses across the state.”
“Italy is a critical market in our international trade portfolio and this office represents our long-term commitment to deepening those ties,” said Interim President of SelectFlorida Matt Swanson. “Through this new presence, we will cultivate high-impact partnerships, fuel strategic investment and create opportunities that support job creation and economic growth across Florida.”
“Building on last year’s trade mission with Governor DeSantis, today marks a significant step forward as we open Florida’s first trade office in Italy,” said SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT, Nick Primrose. “This milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and opens new pathways for investment, innovation, and shared prosperity.”
The Milan office is expected to act as a hub for promoting bilateral trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and supporting Italian companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in Florida. It will also help small businesses from Florida enter or grow within Italian markets by working closely with local business leaders, chambers of commerce, and trade associations.
The partnership between Florida and Italy covers sectors such as transportation, logistics, aerospace, aviation, military defense, and life sciences. In Fiscal Year 2024-2025, SelectFlorida reported generating $1.9 billion in export sales—a $500 million increase compared to the previous year. Major exports included yachts and vessels, civilian aircraft parts, cars, and pharmaceuticals.
The new Milan office aims to support further growth in these industries while fostering lasting economic benefits for both regions.
